MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Damascus rejected a British Foreign Ministry-proposed plan, according to which Syrian President Bashar Assad should lead a transitional government for up to six months before stepping down, Syrian Information Minister Omran Zoubi stated Thursday.
On Wednesday, Philip Hammond, the foreign secretary of the United Kingdom, said the UK would take a pragmatic approach to a transition in Damascus. The idea of a transitional government is contained in the 2012 Geneva principles for ending the war in Syria.
“What gives the British foreign secretary the right to decide for Syrians how long their president should stay in power?” Zoubi was quoted by The Guardian as saying.
Britain was following “irrational and illogical” policies by urging Assad, the leader of the only country, seriously fighting against ISIL extremists, to step down, Zoubi said.
Syria has been mired in a civil war since 2011, as government forces loyal to Assad fight several opposition and radical Islamist militant groups, including the IS.
Since the beginning of the Syria Civil War, the West, including the United Kingdom, have been calling for Assad's resignation, while Russia and Iran recognized Assad as the only legitimate Syrian authority.
